I turned 38 years old today.
I have been fortunate enough to celebrate many a birthday in a foreign land, but none has had so much impact on me as celebrating this one in Africa. This last year, this last revolution around the sun that I have spent here has gifted me with an incredible amount of strength and growth. There is not a day that goes by here that at some point I feel weak, whether it be emotionally, spiritually, or physically, and just want to give it all up and take the easy way out, to go back to the states to have an easy life. If I thought that life in Botswana was challenging, I certainly wasn’t prepared for what life in Malawi was going to be like - it has definitely thrown me for a loop on a regular basis thus far. But, for this I am thankful, as I realize no matter how hard things get, I can make it through anything, and that I lead a truly blessed life.
These last weeks have been trying and busy. I have not had a single day off from work since arriving here nearly a month ago. I am already feeling drained and I have nearly 5 months to go. There is no running water or electricity at the wildlife centre. Days are long and frustrating. There are constant issues with the staff I am managing. LSPCA days are the same, setting up in an open space in rural villages, again with no running water or electricity, and assisting in spay and neuter surgeries in a tent with only the most basic supplies, with villagers crowded around all sides of you. There is no such thing as personal space here!
Fortunately, there was relief in sight, as a group of us were going to spend the weekend in the bush in Kasungu National Park for the vervet monkey release on Sunday. What could be a better birthday gift?! One of the vervets was even named in my honor. Then, disappointment struck just before leaving on Friday. We received a text message from one of the field researchers – the entire group of vervets were coughing and sneezing in the pre-release enclosure. They would not be able to be released in this condition.
We made the 3 ˝ hour trip anyway to assess the situation. Indeed, upon arrival we discovered 15 sneezing, snotty vervets. Medication was prescribed for the next week, and the release postponed until the vervets have recovered. There had been several photographers and press people that had come up especially for the event – fortunately they were understanding about the situation!
A nice time was had anyway – camping for the weekend under a full moon on a beautiful lake. One of my co-workers even surprised me with a birthday cake that she had made herself and had brought all the way out into the bush!
While we were there, both of the field researchers had come down ill with malaria, and need to be transported out of the bush this week to receive treatment. Yet another curve ball was thrown my way when I was asked to make the trip back up to Kasungu tomorrow to fill in for the researchers and take care of the monkeys for the rest of the week – by myself. Eeeep!! I will have a cook and a scout – who carries a very large rifle to protect me and the monkeys from lions, elephants, and poachers. I am pretty nervous at the thought of being out there by myself, but as always, I shall make it through!
Home for the evening and about to give a birthday present to myself – a nice hot bath by candlelight with a relaxing cup of tea – much needed before heading out into the bush again for the next several days.
Good night!
P.S. Love and thanks to everyone who has been keeping in regular touch with me – your emails and IM chats have meant the world to me and have been keeping me strong and smiling!
P.P.S. Happy Mother’s Day, mom!
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